What makes a great vegan shoe?
Choosing a vegan shoe isn't just about finding something that doesn't use animal leather. You still want it to look good, feel good, fit properly and work for your everyday life.
For us, there are a few other things worth thinking about too.
There are so many different vegan materials, styles and types of shoes now, so we've put together this little field guide to help you find a pair that's right for you.
The upper
The upper is the part of the shoe that covers your foot, and the material makes a big difference to how the shoe feels.
Vegan shoes can be made from different types of materials, including microfibre and newer plant based alternatives. They can feel soft, smooth, structured, textured or somewhere in between.
For everyday shoes, we like a material that has some structure but still has a little give. You don't want something that feels stiff and uncomfortable, but you also want the shoe to hold its shape and look good after you've worn it.
At Vegan Style, we use a range of materials including European microfibre, corn leather, recycled materials, Piñatex, AppleSkin, cork and organic cotton canvas. We're always researching the market for new and innovative vegan leathers and materials.
Microfibre
European made microfibre is one of the materials you'll find throughout our footwear range. It can be made to look and feel like traditional leather or suede, while being soft, breathable, durable and water resistant.
Many of the microfibres we use are also OEKO TEX and Ecolabel certified.
Corn leather and recycled materials
We also use corn leather, which is made partly from plant based materials derived from corn and vegetable oils, as well as recycled materials across our footwear and accessories. Both are examples of the different materials we can use instead of traditional animal leather.
We've gone into more detail about the materials we use and why we choose them.
Explore our materials guide
The sole
The sole can make a surprisingly big difference to a shoe. It's not just about whether you like a chunky platform or a slimmer sole — the material, flexibility, grip and construction all affect how a shoe feels under your feet and how it performs when you're wearing it.
We use different sole materials depending on the style, including natural rubber, recycled materials and other materials chosen for their durability and performance.
A more grounded winter feel, and a bit more impact in an outfit.
A cleaner look that works with trousers, dresses and tailoring.
On your feet all day? Flexibility is worth thinking about.
It's really about finding the sole that suits you, and how you're going to wear the shoes.
Who made your shoes?
A vegan shoe can be made without animal materials, but there are other things that matter too — including the people who make them.
We like to know where our shoes are made and who we're working with. We look for brands and manufacturers that care about their workers and provide fair working conditions, and we like being able to share that information with you.
Our Zette shoes are made across Brazil, Portugal and Spain, working with manufacturing partners we've chosen for their skills and production standards.
The shape
The shape of a shoe changes the way it looks, feels and works with your wardrobe.
Chelsea boots are probably one of the easiest everyday options — simple to pull on, no laces to worry about, and they work with just about everything. Ankle boots are great when you want something a little more polished. Lace up boots give you a more structured look and let you adjust the fit around your foot.
Then there are loafers, Derby shoes, sneakers, high tops, knee high boots, sandals and plenty more. We come back to all of them at the bottom of this guide.
The fit
A shoe can look amazing and still be completely wrong for your feet.
If you wear thicker socks, make sure you leave yourself enough room. Pay attention to the toe area and the instep too. You don't want your toes squashed, but you also don't want your foot sliding around inside the shoe.
And don't just think about how they feel when you first put them on. Think about how they're going to feel after a few hours. That's when you really know if you've found the right fit.
How you'll actually wear them
It's very easy to buy a pair because they look amazing. Then they sit in the wardrobe because you don't have anything to wear them with.
Before you buy, have a look at what you already wear.
A really good everyday pair is one you can put on without having to think too hard about what goes with it. We love shoes that earn their place in your wardrobe and get worn again and again.
The weather
We don't all need the same type of shoe.
If you're walking to work, dealing with wet footpaths or spending a lot of time outside, you might want a more substantial sole and a practical style.
If you're mostly indoors or looking for something to wear with work clothes, you might prefer something lighter and more streamlined.
Looking after them
We choose shoes made from quality materials because we want you to enjoy wearing them for as long as possible.
For everyday dust and dirt, a lightly damp soft cloth is usually all you need. If they get wet, let them dry naturally and keep them away from direct heat. Always check the care instructions for your particular pair — different materials need different care.
And honestly, just keeping dirt and dust from building up in the first place can make a big difference to how your shoes look over time.
So what makes a good vegan shoe?
Good materials.
A comfortable fit.
A sole that suits how you live.
A shape you'll actually wear.
Thoughtful production.
And a style you love.
There isn't one perfect vegan shoe for everyone. Choosing vegan doesn't mean giving up comfort, quality or style — it's about finding something you genuinely love to wear, and feeling good about the choice you've made.
Find your shape
Whether you're after an everyday Chelsea, a chunky boot, something a little smarter or an easy summer sandal, we've grouped our footwear by shape to make finding your next pair a little easier.
Chelsea Boots
Easy to pull on, easy to wear and one of the most versatile boot shapes.
Explore
Ankle Boots
A wardrobe staple that works with jeans, trousers, dresses and skirts.
Explore
Lace Up Boots
A more structured look, with the benefit of being able to adjust the fit.
Explore
Knee High Boots
More coverage, more impact and a great way to change up a winter outfit.
Explore
Loafers
Smart without being too formal. Easy for work, weekends and in between.
Explore
Derby Shoes
A classic lace up shape — smarter than a sneaker, more relaxed than a formal shoe.
Explore
Sneakers
For everyday comfort, weekends, travelling or when you don't want boots.
Explore
Chukkas
A simple ankle height style that sits between a casual shoe and a boot.
Explore
Many of these styles won't be restocked. If you've found a pair you love, don't leave it too long.
We started Vegan Style because we wanted to make it easier to find beautiful footwear without using animal materials. Over the years that's grown into a much bigger interest in the materials we use, the people who make our shoes and the choices we can make along the way.
We're still learning, still researching and still looking for new ideas. Hopefully this guide helps you do a little of that too.
Find a pair you love
xx VS
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